UK

Back in 1988, disco rap aficionado and collector Dave Lee put together a compilation titled 'Back To The Old School', showcasing some of the best of the genre, most of which had never been issued before in the UK . Fast forward to 2025 and Dave's label Z Records has managed to procure the rights to a few choice old school cuts for a (sort of) follow up. The difference is this time Mr Lee has remixed and re-worked the songs for today's dancefloors while preserving their original flavour and integrity. In this first part of the series we have TJ Swann's 1981 jam 'Get Fly', re-tracked and taken into lo-slung yacht rock funk territory with a sizzling synth solo for good measure, a perfect compliment to TJ's smooth NYC flow. Terry Lewis & Wild Flower are up next on the A-side, with a boogie rich, mid-tempo stomper with a heavy funk bottom end and a message that still rings true in this day and age. Mike T's 'Do It Anyway You Wanna' finishes things up with a compulsive dose of jazz-tinged disco rap that goes straight for the jugular, super charged slap bass underpinning sharp sax and flute motifs while the rich tones of Mike T slide over the top. Dave Lee yet again providing a masterclass in production.

Emerging from the confines of the underground, Shadow Pressings returns with a brand-new slab of raw wax—four cuts of stripped-back, analog-driven house music from an artist whose identity remains in the shadows. True to the label’s ethos, this release channels the spirit of Chicago basements and Detroit lofts, where swing, grit, and soul collide beneath the glow of a red light.

Two jewels in the crown of the soulful electronic music scene in NYC unite for a spellbinding EP on Rhythm Section International. ”Full Circle” is a brand new body of work from Musclecars & Toribio.To call this 12” simply epic would almost be doing it a disservice. The breadth of musicality and execution of ideas contained across 3 compositions is nothing short of miraculous. I use the word composition intentionally: these are not merely tracks - these are 3 movements making up a concerto - with a dub thrown in for good measure!The record kicks off with a soulful house behemoth, “ That’s My Story” featuring NJ legend Roland Clark on vocals giving sweet sweet testimony. In many ways, this track feels like a coming together of the trios influences. The lyrics contextualise it, giving it this intimate, confessional feel. The latin drums shuffling amidst the 909 kick drive it forward and the organ swimming freely amongst it all takes us to church. It’s a timeless track - paying homage to the various New York traditions laid down by Louis Vega, Timmy Regisford, Joaquin Claussell , Ron Trent et al - all heroes and collaborators of the composers who - with this effort - have surely now earned their place in the pantheon of American Soul Music. ‘ Be Honest’ maintains the confessional tone with the lyrics but takes things right back down in terms of tempo. Is it a love song, an ultimatum or a cry for help? Whichever way you interpret it, this track is Toribio’s time to shine as a lead vocalist and he hits all the notes, leaving not a dry eye in the house. This is a delicate tour de force, delivered with such raw emotion and vulnerability it allows the instrumentation takes a back seat - just a gentle groove, swelling strings and some unresolved chords are all that’s required to transform us to the main character of this story. We’re left hanging, and it’s oh so relatable. Agua De Florida serves as an uplifting, fast paced finale to the concerto and this one’s all about the trumpet - masterfully performed by Melbourne born, London based virtuoso Audrey Powne. If Herb Alpert was making house music - I imagine this is what it would sound like. Throbbing bass and noodling synths join the melee and crank the joy up to 11. If the EP is a story arc over 3 tracks, then we’re definitely not left hanging with this one. All is resolved, things are moving onwards and upwards and the circle is complete.

Dutch producers Fouk make their debut on Freerange Records with a brilliant 4 tracker entitled the Get It Done EP, showcasing their signature blend of groove, melody, and dancefloor dynamism. Known for their impeccable craftsmanship and warm, funk-infused house productions, Fouk have built a loyal following through releases on labels like Heist, Razor-N-Tape, and their own Outplay imprint. Now, the duo step onto one of the most respected platforms in house music with four expertly sculpted cuts that balance classic influences with modern flair.The EP opens with the title track Get It Done, a muscular slice of euphoric Piano House that’s as uplifting as it is infectious. Built around some familiar piano stabs and a driving groove, it sets the tone with pure feel-good energy destined to light up basement dancefloors and festivals alike. Next up is Floating, a high-energy club track propelled by serotonin-boosting Philly strings, simple rolling bassline and MAW-esque shuffling snares. Fouk channel a rawer edge here, delivering a tune that’s equal parts powerful and soulful – a perfect peak-time weapon.On the flip, Neon Drift (Club Mix) takes things into more electronic territory, weaving synth-heavy arpeggiating textures and Detroit chord stabs into a hypnotic, forward-looking journey. Despite its exploratory sonic tendencies, the track keeps its eyes firmly on the dancefloor with Fouk’s trademark groove holding it all together.Closing out the release is Neon Drift (First Light Mix), a deeper, more introspective reimagining of the Club Mix. With warm pads, subtle percussion, and a hazy afterhours feel, it provides a perfect comedown moment – the sunrise companion to the night’s earlier fire. With this release, Fouk prove why they’re among the most exciting duos in the scene right now, blending classic house tropes with their own unique flair to deliver an EP that feels timeless yet fresh

Berlin-based Australian musician and producer Declan McDermott steps forward with his debut EP for Delusions Of Grandeur, bringing a raw yet soulful sound that reflects his unique journey through disco, funk, and soul music. Having cut his teeth as a multi-instrumentalist before delving deep into house and club culture, Declan naturally fuses his live musical talents with warm, analog-driven grooves. The result is a record that feels equally at home on the dance floor and in the living room, carrying both emotional depth and undeniable energy.Doin It All 4 U sees Declan laying down a soulful, funky house jam and getting busy on the vocoder to great effect! With a bubbling live bassline, shimmering Rhodes, and crisp, crunchy drums, the track radiates warmth while maintaining a driving dance-floor sensibility.Dutch house and disco heavyweight Tom Trago steps up for the first remix, transforming the original into a bass-heavy, club-ready edit. With his trademark groove and deep knowledge of house music’s roots, Trago reshapes the track into a peak-time weapon, pushing Declan’s soulful original straight onto the floor with tough low-end pressure and hypnotic flow.New York-based artist Lovetempo, known for blending funk, soul and electronic textures into his productions, delivers the second remix. With rolling 808 drums and lush layers of moog synths, Lovetempo injects a heavy boogie sensibility into the track, reimagining it as a cosmic, groove-laden journey. His version adds a playful, analog richness that pays homage to disco and electro while carving its own forward-thinking space.The EP closes with Dani, a deep and rolling jazzy house number featuring Luxonous (aka Omri Abramov) on soprano saxophone and EWI (electronic wind instrument). Built on a bed of liquid grooves and subtle atmospheres, the track conjures the spirit of Frederick Galliano and St Germain, weaving acoustic and electronic textures into a sophisticated whole. Both meditative and dynamic, it’s a fitting finale that underlines Declan’s range and sensitivity as a producer.